Self-described as "innocuous, harmless, middle class, " Jann Nunn, a Sonoma State University art professor, changed
from a lesbian sculptor to a model Christian wife and mother to find out how homosexuality was viewed in the heart of fundamentalist Christian America.
The voyage resulted in a 51-minute film that will be shown as part of events for National Coming Out Day on Thursday, October 11, from 7 - 9 p.m. in Darwin Hall, Room 108, at Sonoma State University.
Nunn, and her collaborating partner U.B. Morgan, traveled in a motor home as Bob and Mary Bradford for a 17-day pilgrimage that started out as a mockumentary of fundamentalist Christian documentaries that "demonize gays and lesbians," says Nunn. But it turned into more of a hybrid documentary combined with performance art.
Starting from a home base in St. Louis, Missouri, they traveled throughout the Bible Belt asking fundamentalist Christians to put their thoughts on homosexuality on tape, Stops included Bob Jones University and the churches of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Fred Phelps among others.
Along the way they talk to ordinary Christians, from snake-handlers in Tennessee and Kentucky to a retired couple in Branson, Missouri, asking them about homosexuals in general, gay marriage, gay teachers, and gays in the military. The filmmakers received their warmest reception at a tent-revival meeting and later by a group of snake-handling Christians in rural Tennessee and Kentucky.
The filmmakers will be at the event to discuss the film. Also present will be Paul Feiertag, a Lutheran minister, in order to "give a more positive voice on Christianity," says Coming Out Day organizer Laurel Holmstrom. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who have their own unique brand of religiosity, have been invited and representatives from the gay club on campus, BIGLASS, will also be on hand.
The campus is located at 1801 East Cotati Avenue in Rohnert Park.
For further information, phone (707) 664-2801. A web site for the film is located at www.bradfordstouramerica.com.
Contact information: Jann Nunn, Art Department, (707) 664-3043
ROHNERT PARK - On one day in September in 1961, a robot astronaut was sent into orbit, Roger Maris hit home run #58 on his quest to break Babe Ruth?s record and classes opened for the first time at a small college in northern California.
The date was Sept. 18 and 40 years later that college, now a university, celebrates the opening of its doors to students in a series of lectures, exhibits, time capsule burial and other events.
The kick-off event is a lecture series at noon on Tuesdays at the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center titled, "Who We Are: Conversations on 40 Years at Sonoma State University" from Oct. 9 through Nov. 27. The series includes topics from "How We Began: The Founding of SSU" to "Where Are We Going: The Future of Higher Education."
The same week, the University Library art gallery exhibit titled "Then and Now" runs Oct. 8 through Nov. 3 and features historical items from the university's past.
Events throughout the year will include:
* Battle of the Bands, March 16 - student and alumni bands compete with music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
* Founders? Day Celebration, April 18 - photographs, oral histories, and displays to remember the University?s beginnings.
* College Bowl, April 18 - a fast-paced trivia game with questions related to the 40 years of SSU's history as well as current trivia.
* Time Capsule Burial and Celebration, April 18 - the time capsule, containing items selected from the "Then and Now" exhibit, will be buried in the Alumni Grove.
* Academic School Exhibits, April 1-30 - the six academic Schools will showcase their history with this display.
* 40th Anniversary Photo, May 10 - this special photo will feature current, faculty, staff and students, community members, retirees and others joining together to form a number "40" in the main campus quad.
For more information, please contact Susan Kashack, (707) 664-2122 or email susan.kashack@sonoma.edu.
LECTURE SERIES DETAILS----------------------------------------------------
"Who We Are: Conversations on 40 Years at Sonoma State University"
Students, professors, alumni and staff explore the remarkable history of the campus in a series of lectures. Noon, Tuesdays, October 9 ? November 27. Room 3001, Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park
1. " How We Began: The Founding of SSU," Tuesday, October 9
This first program will serve as an introduction to the series, providing a context for the remaining sessions. As we remember the down-to-the-minute politics of the legislative signing which brought our campus into existence, we will create the framework for the next several weeks that will allow us to discuss the many faces of SSU over the last forty years.
2. "What We Thought: Development of a Liberal Arts Institution ? part 1," Tuesday, October 16
From the beginning, SSU faculty was committed to developing a curriculum which pushed beyond the traditional academic confines to create a truly liberal arts education. Learn about the innovative teaching concepts and how these pioneers created a truly unique liberal arts institution.
3. "What We Thought: The Development of a Liberal Arts Institution ? part 2," Tuesday, October 23
The educational mission is the heart of the institution. Part 2 of this 2-part session continues to examine the role of the changing curriculum. Also, we will ask the question, "how has the rising need for independent professional schools shaped how and what we teach?"
4. "What We Created: Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts," Tuesday, October 30
This fourth panel will explore SSU as a hub of cultural activity. Speakers will discuss the various artists (performing, literary, visual, and others) who have been attracted to the campus, from visiting lecturers and musicians to artists-in residence and writers, and of course, students and faculty. How has the university helped shape the cultural arts landscape in the North Bay region? How has the arts curriculum developed?
5. The View of Our Backyard: The Changing Landscape of the SSU Community," Tuesday, November 6
Students, faculty, staff, donors, and those in the surrounding areas are all members of the SSU family. What changes have we seen over the decades and what are some of the internal and external influences that have brought us to today? Diversity issues, demographic changes, changes in the economic environment, changes in the political environment, responses from the community to SSU and SSU to the community, the need for "professional schools." Are we meeting the needs of the community in terms of the work force we provide?
6. "Who We Are: The Changing Profile of the SSU Students," Tuesday, November 13
Come decide for yourself if there is a "typical" SSU student or if changing times have brought a new population of learners. This will be a thought provoking discussion about the changing college student, throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and now.
7. "Where We Are: The Sonoma State Landscape," Tuesday, November 27
The Sonoma State landscape is lauded as one of the most beautiful spots in the county. Join us as we discover the poetics of place and learn how SSU has grown from a field into a lush landscape. This panel will explore the aesthetic beauty of the SSU campus ? from the special native-plant and butterfly gardens to the lesser-known monuments and landmarks.
8. "Where Are We Going: The Future of Higher Education," Tuesday, Dec 4
Where will the University be in the next five, 10, even 40 years? This last session will focus on how the campus will position itself in the face of changing demands on higher education. Instead of a panel of speakers, this will be an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts.
NOTE: Historic digital photos of the university's early beginnings are available upon request.
The Sonoma State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Health Maintenance Center will be offering low cost physical examinations and health appraisals for well adults and children on Wednesdays, beginning October 3 through December 5.
Services include a complete medical and health history, identification of health risk factors, complete physical examinations and screening tests such as blood pressure checks, vision testing, urinalysis, hematocrit (for anemia), cholesterol testing and Pap smears for cervical cancer.
Audiology testing is new this year. These services can be utilized for annual exams, sports physicals, pre-employment physicals, camp physicals and Class I and II DMV licensing physicals.
The cost of a physical examination is $20, Pap test $15, cholesterol check $10 or $15, hearing test $10 and a DMV physical examination is $35. Copies of records are given to clients upon request as well as mailed to private physicians or agencies.
Appointments may be made by calling SSU's Nursing Department at (707) 664-2466, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first public open house for Sonoma State University's Environmental Technology Center (ETC) will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tours will be led by the staff and students of the Department of Environmental Studies and Planning every half hour.
This state-of-the-art facility is one of only a handful of buildings in the world designed specifically for the study, research and teaching of sustainable design and environmental technologies.
Facing south and using ancient principles of passive solar design, the structure collects and distributes warm and cold energy through a configuration of concrete walls, rammed earth walls, hot water tubing in the floor and strategically placed windows.
The 2,200 square-foot building is outfitted with a building management system that automatically opens and closes windows, adjusts light shelves, shades and venetian blinds to control and utilize natural sources of light and heat.
The objective of the building is to serve as a demonstration center, a teaching space, and a laboratory for researching energy efficient technologies and design.
Future open houses of the facility are planned for the first Sunday of every month.
For additional information, contact Armando Navarro at (707) 664-2577.
Student workers at Charlie Brown's Cafe at Sonoma State University have decided to donate $908 in tips they have collected since the summer to the American Red Cross. The money is designated for relief efforts for the victims of last Tuesday's terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and in Washington D.C.
Below is the letter sent to the American Red Cross with the donation.
Dear Red Cross:
We write this letter with much sadness in our hearts at its necessity, but with equal amounts of hope of spirit that it is a possibility. We, in the world community, have all been deeply affected by what has taken place in our country. In the small town of Rohnert Park, where our University co-exists with the surrounding communities, we have felt the pain of this nation. We have cried, we have screamed, we have quieted. Above all else, we have held each other up. We feel very far away from what has happened, but very close to those who are suffering. Our hearts ache, and there is a new heaviness to our days.
In an attempt to reach across the miles to those in the deepest need, we send this check. This check is the amount that students in one of our venues have collected in gratuities. While it may not match Bill Gates $10,000,000; we give it in the same spirit. In the spirit of love, hope and of healing. We wish every blessing on those who have helped with rescue efforts, and those who are suffering. God bless us, everyone.
In Loving Kindness,
Charlie Brown's Caf' Staff
Sonoma State University
For further information, contact cafe manager Tracy Ramsdell-Ray, (707) 664-3370
Will pictures of Britney Spears, a CD of Andrea Bocelli, a video game, a newspaper from Sept. 11 be found in a time capsule unearthed in 2061
Sonoma State University will figure that out as it begins to accept ideas for items to put in an hermetically-sealed steel container to be buried next year in the campus Alumni Grove.
"We want to provide a legacy for future generations," says Susan Kashack, "and to show and tell the people of tomorrow about our world today."
Kashack is heading up the 40th Anniversary Committee coordinating activities for the year-long celebration of the university's observance of its 40th year of classes. Plans for this semester include a lecture series on the history of the campus and an exhibit of articles from the university archives. A Founder's Day ceremony is set for next spring.
"We are looking for suggestions for items no bigger than a bread box to place in the time capsule," she said. "We don't necessarily need the items themselves, just suggestions on those articles we can find or have donated. "
Anyone who has ideas for the time capsule should contact Kashack at (707) 664-2122 or e-mail her at susan.kashack@sonoma.edu.
Students, faculty and staff will gather in the plaza of the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center at Sonoma State University to observe a minute of silence at noon tomorrow in observance of President George W. Bush's request that Friday be a day of prayer and remembrance across the nation.
The university will remain open and classes will be held.
In an open letter to the campus community today, SSU president Ruben Arminana said:
"The University stands committed to providing an environment where everyone who steps onto our campus has freedom from hatred and fear. Our commitment embraces diversity where students, faculty and staff can reach their highest potential."
At an Academic Senate meeting this afternoon, the faculty made plans to organize panel discussions and teach-ins based around the many issues that have arisen since the tragic events on Sept. 11.
Members of the Associated Students have constructed panels of fabric on which students have written their sentiments and feelings about the week's events. Plans are to hang the fabric in one of the main buildings on campus.
The Counseling Center continues to offer drop-in counseling to students after staging three formal counseling sessions on Tuesday at the residence halls.
Men's and women's soccer games have been rescheduled for Saturday and Monday.
More than 300 people attended an inter-faith candlelight vigil on Tuesday at Zinfandel Hall organized by campus religious organizations.
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:
HUTCHINS DISCUSSIONS
Faculty and students from the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies are gathering at 4 p.m., Friday in Rachel Carson Hall 68 to talk about, learn about, and think about on the events in New York and Washington, D.C. All interested parties are invited to attend. For further information, contact Richard Gale, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Interdisciplinary Arts, Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, (707) 664 -3182.
HATE CRIME PREVENTION MEETING
A campus club called D.R.E.A.M. which stand for "Daring to Reach Equality Among Many" will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Charlie Brown's Cafe, This hate-crime prevention and education group offers training sessions for how to respond to hate-crimes and ways to prevent them.
ON CAMPUS BLOOD DRIVE
There will be an on-campus blood drive at the SSU Student Health Center on Sept. 25 from 10 am to 2 p.m. Members of the Student Health Advisory Committee are taking sign-ups. For further information, phone (707) 664-2521.
DR. ELAINE LEEDER, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, is available for comment
on today's apparent terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
Professor Leeder has taught courses on terrorism and anarchism throughout her
long career in sociology and holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Office number, (707) 664-2112.
E-mail: elaine.leeder@sonoma.edu
NOTE: This campus-wide memo below explains the reasoning
for closing Sonoma State University for today.
Jean Wasp, Media Relations, (707) 664-2057
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
eMemo
September 11, 2001
TO: The Campus Community
FR: President Ruben Arminana and Provost Bernie Goldstein
RE: Closing Campus
Governor Gray Davis has recommended that all of the 23 campuses of the California State University close for the remainder of the day. It is expected that classes will resume again tomorrow morning, Wednesday, Sept. 12. A message will be placed on the emergency phone line (888) 533-5388 at approximately 7 a.m. tomorrow morning indicating whether campus will be open or closed.
There are no direct threats to SSU or any other CSU campus. This request from the Governor is directed to the well-being of the students, faculty and staff.
All classes are canceled for the day. All non-essential personnel will be told by their managers when they can leave. They will be paid at their regular rate of pay. Students who live in the Residential Community will still be served in the dining room and Residential Life and Housing staff will be available.
The Counseling and Psychological Services Center is offering counseling sessions today at 11:30 a.m. in the Harvest Room, at 1 p.m. in AFC 1, at 5:30 p.m. in the Harvest Room (in the Zinfandel complex) and at 7 p.m. in the Cooperage. The sessions are open to all members of the campus.
---------------------------
This message was received from the Chancellor's Office a few minutes ago:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CSU TO CANCEL CLASSES TODAY
California State University campuses have cancelled all classes today(Tuesday, September 11), and all non-essential university personnel are being asked to leave the campuses and return home in the wake of the American tragedy, CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed announced today.
The CSU Board of Trustees meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Long Beach at CSU headquarters, has been cancelled.
The 23 CSU campuses will maintain essential operations, such as police and security, plant operations, libraries, residence halls and food services.
Chancellor Reed said that the campus presidents, in consultation with his office, will make determinations about classes on Wednesday and following days.
At this point, the CSU Chancellor's Office will remain open.
eMemo
September 11, 2001
TO: The Campus Community
FR: Richard Rodriguez, Director, Counseling and Psychological Services
(707) 664-2153
RE: Counseling Services Available
As we all get more and more information on the tragic events affecting our country this morning, we need to check in with our own emotions as well as respond to those of our community.For some, physical reactions such as tension and fatigue will occur. For others, fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration will come out. Some may experience problems concentrating and focusing. And for others, there may be no identifiable reaction. All of these are normal responses to tragic events. Some of us are more personally connected to the people directly affected than others. Reactions will vary.Getting accurate information is important. Validating people's feelings in response to the lack of information is just as important.What is critical to our healing, both individually and as a community is to acknowledge and value all of the reactions. Give yourself permission to have your reaction in your own way. Help your fellow students, co-workers, and colleagues as much as possible by sharing reactions and checking out how they are feeling. Realize that those around you may be under stress even if they don't immediately show it. We can definitely help each other through this process--both as individuals and as members of the SSU campus community.
Counseling Center staff are available to provide a safe and supportive place for people to share their reactions. We are offering groups for those who feel comfortable sharing together. For others, individual sharing--even if it's just a check-in, will be the best way. Some may want to share immediately; others may need some time--that is okay. We want the campus community to know that we are here to support and respond in whatever way our community needs. For further information, please call us at 664-2153.
Our thoughts and prayers are out to our community and to all affected by this tragedy.
A public forum called "Missile Defense System ? No Path to Security" will be held with Assemblywoman Lynn C. Woolsey, (6th Congressional District) and Marylia Kelley, Executive Director of Tri-Valley CARE's, (Livermore National Laboratories Nuclear Watchdog) on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:15 p.m. at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park.
The forum will be held in The Cooperage "B" Auditorium with parking in Lot J near the corner of West Redwood and South Redwood Drives.
Professor Peter Phillips, Director of Project Censored, will be host of the program. The forum, intended to spur public debate, was organized by the Sonoma County Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and is sponsored by the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County and Project Censored.
This forum comes at a time when the Bush Administration?s request for $8.3 billion to fund the controversial Missile Defense System for the coming year is about to be considered by the U.S. Congress.
Forum organizers say there has been no national public debate on whether this defense system is needed, whether it will spark a new global arms race, and whether there are alternatives ways to achieve security and build a more stable world.
For information, call (707) 575-8902.
The lives of three legendary Latin American women will be portrayed in words, music and visuals on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. in Ives Hall in Warren Auditorium at Sonoma State University.
Tres Vidas is a new chamber music theatre work based on the lives of three legendary Latin American women: renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni, and Salvadoran peasant-activist Rufina Amaya.
Actress Georgina Corbo will portray the three heroines and perform the script by leading Latin American writer and scholar Marjorie Angosin in both Spanish and English.
The show includes images of Frida Kahlo's dramatic visual work, excerpts from Alfonsina Storni's passionate poetry,and passages from Rufina Amaya's heartfelt testimony regarding the brutal massacre of her village of El Mozote.
The internationally known Core Ensemble performs the music on cello, piano, marimba, vibraphone and an array of traditional percussion instruments. It includes arrangements of popular and folk music, plus work by tango master Astor Piazzola and new compositions by Osvaldo Golijov, Alice Gomez, Orlando Garcia, Pablo Ortiz and Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez.
Tickets are $5 for students and $8 general and will go on sale at the Student Union Front Desk, (707) 664-2382, by mid-September. The program is sponsored by the Women's Resource Center, the Sonoma Student Union InterCultural Center and Associated Students Productions.
Note: Digital photos of the artists are available upon request.
